The CIA to Host Benefit Supporting Valley Fire Victims

Posted: Tuesday, March 08, 2016

Fundraiser to be Held March 20 at Greystone

St. Helena, CA – The Culinary Institute
of America at Greystone is hosting a wine tasting and auction on
Sunday,
March 20, with proceeds earmarked to help those affected by last
September’s
Valley Fire. The college is working with #LakeCountyRising Valley Fire
Relief Fund on the event, to be held in the Vintners Hall of Fame
Barrel Room from 2–5 p.m.

“For more than two decades, the CIA has been an integral part of this
community,” says Thomas Bensel, managing
director of the CIA’s California campus. “We mobilized last fall to assist both
rescuers and those displaced by the fire, and the college is proud to continue
to support victims in its aftermath.”

Four CIA staff members and the families of five students
either lost their homes or were evacuated. One freshman lost not only her home,
but also her pets when the fire swept through Cobb. Other students and staff in
Lake County were required to have their bags packed and be ready to leave at a
moment’s notice.

During the fire, CIA chefs and students prepared breakfast, lunch, and
dinner at the evacuation site at the Napa Valley Fairgrounds in Calistoga,
while dozens of other staff members volunteered in other ways. One chef opened
his house for evacuees to stay in his guest bedrooms. The CIA also donated
food, ice, paper goods, frying oil, and cleaning supplies, and turned its
Harvest Table event into a fundraiser that made $750 toward relief efforts.

Well-known wine auctioneer Fritz Hatton has been secured for
this event. Lake County wineries will be providing wines, and the Napa Valley
Vintners and many Napa Valley wineries have donated auction lots. In addition
to serving as the venue for the fundraiser, the CIA will present food stations
and passed hors d’oeuvres for attendees to enjoy.

#LakeCountyRising is a
collaborative fundraising effort of the Lake County Winegrape
Commission, Lake County Winery Association, and Lake County Wine
Alliance. Tickets
are $150 each and can be purchased online through Eventbrite.
More information about #LakeCountyRising and how to
contribute may be found at www.lakecountyrising.org.

Photo Caption and Hi-Res Image:

The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone is hosting a
wine tasting and auction on March 20, with proceeds earmarked to help those
affected by the 2015 Valley Fire. (Photo
credit: CIA/Keith Ferris)View hi-res image >

Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is the world’s
premier
culinary college. Dedicated to driving leadership development for the
foodservice and hospitality industry, the independent, not-for-profit
CIA
offers associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts;
bachelor’s degree majors in management, culinary science, and applied
food
studies; and executive education through its Food Business School. Its
conferences and consulting services have made the CIA the think tank
of the
food industry in the areas of health & wellness, sustainability,
world cuisines & cultures, and professional excellence &
innovation. The college also offers certificate programs and courses
for
professionals and enthusiasts. Its worldwide network of 48,000 alumni
includes
leaders in every area of foodservice and hospitality. The CIA has
campuses in New
York, California, Texas, and Singapore.